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Science Programs
  Sensory Walk
Exploring the farm with our eyes, ears, nose and hands will open a new world to students. We will learn how we sense the world and what we can learn when we use more than our eyes. Activities include matching smells, feely bags, and observation games.

Grades K-2
K.1, 1.2

 
  How Do You Measure Up?

Using standard and nonstandard tools, students will learn to estimate and compare the size of objects, including animals that are now extinct. Students watch a play to learn about time, explore thermometers and measure out ingredients to create a tasty snack. 

Grades K-2
1.2, 1.4

 
  Farm Experience: Animals

Meet the animals of the Holcomb Farm! We have sheep, chickens, ducks and rabbits. Learn about their adaptations, how they are cared for, and find out what each has to offer to the farm. The students will collect eggs from the chickens and feed all of the Farm animals. 

Grades K-2
K.2, 1.2

 
  Adopt-a-Tree

Hike through the forest and discover the seasonal changes of trees, learn their different parts, and why they are important to us. Spend time following the cycles of your favorite tree, while exploring all the wonders it has to offer. Adopt “your” tree and see how it changes during each of the seasons. 

Grades K-2
K.1, K.2, K.3

 
  Animal Detectives 

Through puppet shows, indoor activities, and an outdoor hike, we’ll look for footprints and other clues to tell us about the animals who live here. The concept of “nature eyes” is introduced to help students grasp how to look at things as a detective. Observation skills are honed through a number of activities and games. 

Grades K-2
1.2

 
  Aquatic Adventures
Can aquatic critters really tell us how clean the water is? What adaptations do they require to live in moving water?  Let’s explore the Salmon Brook and come to realize the uniqueness of these insects. 

Grades K-2
K.2, 1.2, 1.3

 
  Inspect an Insect (or Butterfly)

By searching the woods and meadows of the farm, we’ll discover all kinds of spineless wonders. We will learn the distinctive features of an insect, the difference between insects and spiders, and fascinating facts about these highly adaptable and successful creatures. 

Grades K-2
K.2, 1.2, 1.3

 
  The Life of a Log

A rotting log—is it death and decay or life and energy? We’ll take a close up look at logs and soil to learn about nature’s highly efficient “recycling” system. We’ll find out what creatures help in turning a log into soil.

Grades K-2
K.2, 1.2, 1.3

 
  Soil Studies

Using tools, conducting tests, and estimating are all part of this program where students are transformed into soil scientists. Compare different soils and learn about soil particles. Mud pies are a definite part of this program!

Grades K-2
1.4, 2.3
 
  Metamorphosis

Discover the amazing change that some animals go through to become an adult. Program includes exploration of stream insects and visits from a couple of resident animals.

Grades K-2
K.2, 1.2, 1.3
 
  Birds

Through a puppet show and the use of many props, students will learn about characteristics that help birds to adapt to their environment. A bird hike with binoculars allows the students to get an up close view of these beautiful creatures. Owls can be a focus for the program, which includes an owl pellet dissection. 

Grades K-2

1.2, 1.3
 
  Butterflies

Learn about the life change called metamorphosis through the eyes of a butterfly. Students will learn all of the characteristics of an insect, while they dress like a butterfly, look at the world through “compound eyes,” explore the plants that attract butterflies in the Farm’s butterfly garden and design their own butterfly garden. Program is best in the spring.

Grades K-2
K2, 1.2, 1.3

 
  Seeds

Where does a tree come from? Are all plants the same? Do all seeds look or travel the same way? Seeds “tell” students about their adaptations during a puppet show and then the students have a chance to put their new knowledge to use as they explore the Farm and dissect a number of different seeds.

Grades K-2
K2, 2.2

 
  Bats and Birds!

Meet a resident bat and learn about animal communications, life cycles and the differences and similarities between mammals and birds. Students will learn about the differences between microbats and
megabats as they explore specific bat characteristics.

Grades K-2
K2, 1.2 

 
  Fall (or Spring) at the Farm

Learn about the seasonal changes by exploring the beautiful land around the Farm. Tree changes, animal changes, stream changes, and farm field changes will all be observed. This program can incorporate a longer hike around the Farm or add a small craft depending on the
needs of the class.

Grades K-2
1.2, 2.2

 
  Bees, Bats, Butterflies and Birds: The Story of Pollination 

There are many unique ways of carrying out the important job of pollination. Come learn how plants and animals have worked together to make pollination happen.

Grades 3-4
3.2, 4.2

 
  Rocks and Minerals

By conducting tests, students learn to identify minerals. Students also learn about the formation of the three classifications of rocks through hands-on activities.

Grades 3-4
3.1, 3.3

 
  Adaptation

There are so many ways that animals and plants have adapted to live in different environments. Depending on the season students may meet a few resident animals, watch a puppet show, or explore a river to learn how organisms adapt.

Grades 3-4
3.2, 4.2

 
  You Live Where?

Nothing captures a child’s attention like animals. 
Students will learn what a habitat is, why they are important, and about different habitats found in the world through the animals at the Farm, including our descented skunk, Skippy. 

Grades 3-4
3.2, 4.2

 
  Maple Syrup Lore and Science

Join us as we compare and contrast maple sugaring through the ages in three camps: Native American, Colonial and present day. We will share lore and demonstrate various sugaring techniques. (seasonal)

Grades 3-4
3.1

 
  Electricity

Find out using your own hands the difference between static and current electricity. Students will create circuits and make and test predictions about how they can influence the energy. Students will also make electromagnets to help them understand how electricity and magnets are related.

Grades 3-4
4.4

 
  Simple Scientists

Students will conduct a number of simple tests after making hypotheses to sort materials based on similar properties. 

Grades 3-4
3.1.

 
  Water Cycle

Students transform into a drop of water as they learn about the amazing water cycle and how water travels. Finish the program with a visit to Salmon Brook to look for macroinvertebrates that make their home in the water. Water pollution is also a topic that is explored during the program. 

Grades 3-4
3.2, 4.3.

 
  Native American Living

Learn about the lives of Native Americans through stories and exploration or planting (depending on time of year) of the Farm’s Native American Three Sisters’ Garden and wigwam. Students will have a chance to grind corn, learn Native American symbols, and explore deer artifacts while learning how they were used by
Native Americans. 

Grades 3-4
3.4.

 
  Moon Phases

What causes night and day and why does the moon appear to change shape every day? Enter StarLab, our inflatable planetarium and find out the answer to these questions and more. 

Grade 5-6
5.3

 
  River Ecosystem

Using the Salmon Brook as our study site, we will collect data and use both a biotic and abiotic set of indices in order to reach conclusions about the health of our river.

Grade 5-6

6.2, 6.4
 
  Ecosystem vs. Habitat

Simulation games that have students thinking about population fluctuations, feeding habits, and predator-prey relationships along with a meeting of a resident animal, will be the highlights of this program. Students can also conduct a transect or quadrant study to put their knowledge to practical use.

Grade 5-6
6.2, 6.4
 
  Reptiles and Amphibians

Compare these beautiful yet often misunderstood creatures and learn what makes each one unique. Includes discussion about classifications and introduction to live animals.

Grade 5-6
6.2

 
  Orienteering and Mapping (and Snowshoeing)

Students will learn mapping skills as they navigate an “island” using a treasure map and learn how to count paces and use a compass before they go outside to test out their skills. Program can occur any time of year, but snowshoeing will only occur dependent on the weather. 

Grade 5-6
5.4

 
  Water Studies

Students will conduct biotic and abiotic testing to determine the health of Salmon Brook. Erosion, pollution tolerance, and watershed are concepts that students will become familiar with during the “get your hands wet” program.

Grade 7-8
 
  History of the Landscape

Students will look over part of the Farmington Valley and learn about the geological processes that created the landscape before their eyes. Mapping skills will be enhanced during the program in which students must understand the maps to compare to the world they see. Plate tectonics is the theme of this program, which helps students relate to the landscapes they see everyday. 

Grade 7-8
7.3

 
  Teambuilding

Teambuilding programs can be put together for any age group, but older students benefit most from the challenge. Students will get frustrated, work together, and come out laughing at the end of a teambuilding program. Activities depend on the needs of the group.

Grade 7-8